(June 11, 2018) – Following a quick two game road trip to the New York City metro area, unbeaten Reading United A.C. (5-0-1) return to Berks County for a Premier Development League match-up with their nearest neighbors, Lehigh Valley United (1-4-0) on Tuesday evening (June 12) at Wilson High School’s Gurski Stadium in West Lawn.

This will be the second meeting between the clubs this season. Reading United have won their last five matches against Lehigh Valley and hold a 7-1-1 all-time record against their closest rivals.

In their last meeting, Reading United traveled to Allentown and shook off a sluggish first half performance, scoring twice in the second half to upend Lehigh Valley United, 2-0. Gilbert Waso deflected Sebastian Hauret’s free kick into the net just after halftime to open the scoring while Aaron Molloy sealed the game with a 68th minute blast past Lehigh Valley goalkeeper Brian Hochstuhl. The Reading United defense limited the hosts to just four shots and recorded their first shutout of the season.

Reading United head into the match looking to shake off the frustration of an unfortunate result against the Long Island Rough Riders. United took the lead on a first half goal by Felipe Hidek, his second of the season, but were unable to fend off the Rough Riders late surge. Reading defender Lamine Conte was shown a red card and ejected from the game in the 83rd minute. A minute later, a foul was called against Reading United in the penalty area and Long Island’s Joergen Oland buried the penalty kick to tie the game. Despite a spirited Reading United rally, the game ended in a 1-1 draw and saw the teams remain in a tie for first place in the PDL Mid-Atlantic Division, though Reading have a game in hand.

Lehigh Valley United make the drive south on Route 222 to Reading with just one victory in 2018. Lehigh Valley dropped a 2-0 result at home to F.A. Euro on Saturday night. With just two goals scored this season, Lehigh Valley United are the lowest scoring team in the Premier Development League.

As part of Tuesday night’s match against Lehigh Valley United, Reading United will be hosting a pre-game concert by local Southern Rock artist Cody Tyler. Reading United will also be collecting used shoes and sneakers to donate to In Ian’s Boots, a local charity that collects footwear to help those in need.

Reading United’s next home game will be on Saturday June 16th when they welcome long-time rivals, the Ocean City Nor’easters to Wilson’s John Gurski Stadium. Tickets for the match are available at www.readingunitedac.com/tickets.

Dance Party Telethon: March 2, 2019

To celebrate Black History Month, Berks Sinfonietta, Vox Philia and the Lincoln University Choir perform a program of works by African-American composers on February 16 in Immanuel UCC, Shillington. Photos by Blair Seitz